Wigmore School, located in Leominster, Herefordshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on June 28 and 29, 2023. The school is characterized by a friendly and welcoming atmosphere where pupils understand the significance of values such as empathy, equality, and teamwork. This shared understanding fosters positive relationships among students and a collective commitment to their learning. Staff maintain high expectations for pupil behavior, which is generally met, resulting in a calm and orderly environment. Pupils engage well with each other during social times and demonstrate good behavior in lessons, although occasional disruptions from a few students can affect the learning experience.
The curriculum at Wigmore School is ambitious and effectively accessed by all pupils. Teachers utilize their strong subject knowledge to facilitate understanding and employ effective questioning techniques to ensure learning is secured. Pupils are encouraged to engage positively with their learning tasks, achieving strong outcomes by the time they leave the school. They also appreciate opportunities to contribute to the school and wider community, taking on roles such as prefects and reading buddies, and participating in fundraising activities and house competitions.
While the school has made significant strides, there are areas for improvement. Leaders are working on enhancing assessment practices, particularly in key stage three, where some assessments may not effectively contribute to pupil learning. Additionally, the support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities has improved, with a clear approach to identifying needs and adapting learning accordingly. The pastoral team has also expanded to provide tailored support, particularly in mental health, responding effectively to incidents of bullying and discrimination.
Leaders emphasize the importance of personal development alongside academic learning, ensuring pupils learn about the diversity of British society and global organizations. The careers program is robust, providing pupils with insights into future options and opportunities to engage with local and national companies. However, some parents express dissatisfaction with communication from the school and believe that behavior could be improved. Staff feedback indicates a mixed response regarding workload management, with some feeling that more could be done to alleviate their responsibilities.
The safeguarding arrangements at Wigmore School are effective, with leaders conducting necessary checks on staff and providing regular training. Staff are well-informed about safeguarding protocols and respond promptly to concerns, ensuring vulnerable pupils receive the support they need. Pupils learn about safety through a well-structured life skills program, which includes topics such as healthy relationships and online safety.
To further enhance the school, leaders should focus on refining assessment practices in key stage three to ensure they align more closely with learning objectives and reduce unnecessary workload for staff. Additionally, improving communication with parents is essential to foster a shared understanding of the school's vision and engage the community in ongoing improvement efforts. Overall, Wigmore School continues to provide a supportive and effective educational environment, with a commitment to both academic success and personal development for its pupils.
